2009 Dodge Ram vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Dodge Ram is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 6,690 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Ram (350 HP @ 3013 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (270 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 22 kg more than 2009 Dodge Ram.
Because 2009 Dodge Ram is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Dodge Ram. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Dodge Ram (827 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 491 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Ram has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Ram will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Ram | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Ram | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6690 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3013 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 827 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1384 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2440 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3580 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 73 L |
